Idea: The doctrine of election provides comfort and confirmation to us, especially in the midst of affliction.
Intro: The doctrine of election has often been controversial in the church. Many today don't understand it and think of it as only a weird theory that makes mankind out to be some kind of a robot, controlled by some vindictive God. But this passage, among others, turns to the doctrine of election as a ground for hope for a Christian church suffering affliction. You'll see that Paul doesn't teach election theoretically or discuss it academically. In fact, my explanation of the doctrine this morning will go further in depth than Paul does here. That's OK, because Paul's purpose was to give comfort and conformation to the Thessalonian church in the midst of their affliction. And he turns to the doctrine of election to do so. So we will, too. We will consider how the doctrine of election provides comfort and confirmation to us, especially in the midst of affliction.
1. Context of afflication
2. Ground of election - God's love
3. Ground of confidence - God's authoritative message
4. Ground of confidence - Signs of God's approval
5. Ground of confidence - The Thessalonians received the gospel
6. Ground of confidence - Reception in the midst of affliction |
